On returning home, you will need help the first few weeks and should make arrangements for someone to shop for you and help you around the house. You will need to continue taking your regular medications and continue exercising as directed by your physiotherapist and surgeon. Remaining active and practicing the prescribed exercises are the quickest ways to full recovery.
You have every reason to expect to regain full use of your leg. However, this will take time. You should be able to return to normal activities again within a few months of the operation. These may include driving, gardening and playing golf, but check with your doctor first. There will be a continual improvement throughout the first 12 months. Once the operation has fully healed, many people can't tell they have an artificial joint.
Special Instructions
Every effort is made to minimize any risk or complications from occurring. However, like any other surgery – they may occur. Listed below are common signs and symptoms that may indicate a complication with your new joint.
Please contact your doctor should you feel that you may have a problem or are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius
- Unusual redness, heat or oozing at the wound site
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Increase in pain that is not relieved by medication
- Increase in pain or swelling in the calf
- Increase in swelling of the leg that is not relieved by elevation.